by LuAnn McLane
“Does Garret know any of this?”
Teresa smiled. “Not a thing. And I think it’s brilliant to keep your arrival a surprise.”
Mattie glanced around the restaurant.
“Don’t worry, Mattie,” Teresa said to her. “I’m on board to wait tables if needed. We’ve got you covered, love.”
Mattie looked at them both and then burst into tears.
Laura Lee and Teresa jumped up and hurried behind the counter. They hugged and cried and then ended up laughing.
Mattie swiped at tears and then crossed her hands over her chest. “I’m overwhelmed.”
“I just wish I could be there to see the look on Garret’s face,” Teresa said.
“I want to see a selfie of your smiling faces,” Laura Lee said.
Mattie nodded. “I’ll take one. Oh my gosh, I think my heart is going to beat right out of my chest.”
Laura Lee made shooing motions with her fingers. “Go and start packing. Teresa and I will be here bright and early to pick you up. You’re leaving out of Nashville.”
“And Laura Lee is going to spend the night and we’re going to paint the town red,” Teresa added with a laugh. “It’s going to be fantastic.”
Mattie laughed. “I’m sure it will be.” After one last group hug Mattie hurried out the door and ran all the way back to her cabin.
Tomorrow she was leaving for London!
26
With a Little Help from My Friends
GARRET STROLLED DOWN PORTOBELLO ROAD IN THE heart of Notting Hill, thinking that perhaps the colorful, vibrant surroundings would put him in a better mood. Saturdays were jam-packed with both locals and tourists, since the trading in Portobello Market was in full swing. He started at the southern tip of the market and browsed the antiques stalls, picking up a bric-a-brac here and there but unable to muster up much interest. He headed down the hill to the intersection of Westbourne Grove and Elgin Crescent to the heart of the antiques section, thinking he might want to pick up a little something for his mum. After purchasing a lovely rose pin, he spotted a ceramic Irish setter that looked just like Rusty. Unable not to, Garret bought the small dog and wished for the millionth time that Mattie was with him.
Garret thought about taking a picture of the dog and sending it to Mattie as an excuse to contact her, but he refrained. He wondered, though, what she was doing right this minute. With a sigh he continued on until he came to the fruit and vegetables stands, his favorite part of Portobello Market. Wheelbarrows overflowing with produce, fishmongers, bread stalls, cakes, and cheese were a throwback to years gone by. Owners shouted out their prices, and bargains were to be had near the end of the day. Garret bought a loaf of crusty French bread and a hunk of cheddar cheese, thinking he would munch on the simple meal while watching some auditions of potential contestants on Sing for Me. He added a bunch of grapes and a couple of apples to his stash and then couldn’t resist a red velvet cupcake swirled with decadent icing.
Feeling a bit of a rumble in his stomach, Garret was anxious to get home and dig into the bread and cheese, so he walked through the Westway Fashion Market without stopping to browse. He turned down Palace Court, where his flat was located in a grand period building. Although not spacious like his cabin in Cricket Creek, the flat came fully furnished with a fitted kitchen and shower room. A winding staircase led to a loft bedroom, and he had a small terrace with a fantastic view. He was within walking distance to the Tube, shops, and restaurants. He thought that Mattie would have found it simple to get around within no time at all. “Not that it matters,” he said under his breath.
Juggling his packages, Garret dug into his pants pocket for his keys. Nearly dropping everything, he finally opened the door and headed straight for the galley kitchen. He eyed the bottle of red wine but decided it was a bit too early in the day but it would taste nice later on while he worked. He broke off a hunk of the bread and was about to slice into the cheese when he decided that he wanted to change into something comfortable and maybe drink that glass of wine after all.
While nibbling on the crusty bread he walked into his bedroom and then stopped in his tracks. His heart thudded and he forgot to swallow.
Frowning, Garret walked into the reception room but found nothing out of place. And then he heard another sort of rustling sound. Tipping his head, he looked at the spiral staircase.
* * *
Mattie was curled into a cute little position on top of the bed. She hadn’t turned down the covers, so she most likely hadn’t planned on falling asleep. Her blond hair fanned out over the deep red pillow and he could hear the soft sound of her breathing. He spotted several suitcases to her left and he smiled. From the looks of it she planned on staying for quite a while. For a moment he could only stand there and watch over her, not quite believing his eyes. Because she had obviously had a key, her arrival was a conspiracy that had Teresa Bennett written all over it. His mum had most likely had a hand in this as well.
“Mattie . . . ,” he whispered, not wanting to startle her awake. She stirred but didn’t open her eyes. Unable not to touch her, Garret walked over to the bed and sat down. At the movement of the mattress Mattie’s eyes opened and she looked at him in dazed surprise.
“Garret?” Her voice, husky with sleep, slid over him like a warm caress.
“I think I’m the one who is supposed to be surprised.” He smoothed her hair back from her cheek, loving the feel of her skin beneath his fingers.
“I didn’t mean to fall asleep, but you were taking forever to get here.”
“Sorry, love, I would have run all the way if I’d known you were in my bed.”
She gave him a sexy, sleepy smile. “That would have ruined the surprise.”
“How did you find me?”
“With a little help from my friends,” she said with a grin.
“And why did you decide to come?”
“Because I couldn’t live another day without you.”
Her quiet admission went straight to his heart. He ran his fingertip over her bottom lip. “And what about the restaurant?”
She chuckled. “There’s, like, an entire crew of people taking it over. Shane, Laura Lee, my brothers . . . Teresa. My parents are coming home to pitch in. Can you believe it?”
“Yes. They all love you, Mattie.”
“They do, don’t they?” Her smile trembled and then she sat up, suddenly fully alert. “I’ve read a whole stack of books on the plane ride over here. I am a walking encyclopedia about London, especially Notting Hill. You have to take me everywhere.”
“I will take you anywhere your little heart desires.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“And speaking of desire . . .” He leaned in and captured her lips in a sweet lingering kiss. “God, I’ve missed you so, Mattie. I thought about you constantly,” he said. “Oh, and I bought you a present at Portobello Market. Stay right there, I want to go get it for you.”
Garret hurried down to the kitchen and took the little ceramic dog out of the paper bag. Taking the steps two at a time, he sat down on the bed and handed the present to her. “Rusty,” Garret said with a chuckle.
“Oh my gosh, it looks just like him.” Mattie shook her head. “He and I moped around Mayfield Marina like lovesick fools. It was like we had these little gray storm clouds hanging over our heads.”
“Ah, no more progress with Abigail?”
“Not other than looking back at him while the boat chugs away, I’m afraid.”
“I think there’s hope, then.” Garret looked above Mattie’s head. “I don’t see a storm cloud.”
“Nope . . . from now on I’m walking on sunshine.”
“Brilliant,” Garret said, and then pulled her into his arms. “And I’ll be walking right there by your side.”
“Well, you’re going to be walking all over London while I
ask a million questions.”
“And I’ll answer each and every one. It’s going to be an adventure, love. I cannot wait.” He looked down at her pretty face and said, “I also can’t wait to make love to you, Mattie. I want you in my arms.”
“You’re reading my mind. But we have to do one more thing.” She reached over to the nightstand and located her cell phone. “We have to send Teresa and Laura Lee a selfie.” She held up the phone. “Ready? Smile!”
They captured the moment of happiness and sent their radiant smiling faces from London, England, back to Cricket Creek, Kentucky.
Garret leaned in and gave Mattie a kiss. “Let the adventure begin.”
Epilogue
Sweet Surrender
MATTIE STOOD ON THE EXPANDED DECK OF HER RESTAUrant and smiled at Garret. “I ordered the bistro tables. I thought that I wanted blue umbrellas, but then I decided I wanted a variety of colors to represent the vibrant storefronts that inspired me on Portobello Road. What do you think?”
Garret wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and hugged her close. “I adore the idea. I’m amazed at how much you’ve accomplished in the month that we’ve been back in Cricket Creek.”
“I’ve talked to Mabel at Grammar’s Bakery about providing croissants and pastries. I showed her the pictures of Hummingbird Bakery in London and how they display their cupcakes. We’re thinking about adding gourmet cupcakes in the future. Maybe only one day a week to keep it special.” She pointed to the grassy area to the side of the restaurant. “I want to have a farmers’ market in the fall during harvest, and Gabby at Flower Power said she’d love to sell flowers in the spring. Laura Lee is going to plant an herb garden,” she said. “And she agreed to manage the restaurant while we’re in London for three months while you film the next season of Sing for Me.”
Garret kissed her on top of the head. “I hoped she would. I think she really enjoys it too.”
“And I think it’s hilarious that Shane is insisting that he’ll come back as the short-order cook. Not only that, but Shane has been talking to Mason about the possibility of establishing a craft brewery. Is that cool or what?”
“It is, darling. Having this deck built while we were away was brilliant on your part.”
“I knew if we were going to make this work I had to learn to do things from London. And of course I was inspired by something new every day. Who knew I was so creative?”
Garret spun her around and gave her a lingering kiss. “I had a pretty good idea. You amaze me, Mattie.”
“It’s all coming together, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Well, I have one more surprise.”
Garret reached down and took her hand. “What, love?”
“I’m changing the name from Breakfast, Books, and Bait to Walking on Sunshine.”
Garret brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Perfect.”
Mattie smiled but then said, “You seem a bit distracted. Is everything okay?”
“I do have something on my mind. Can we have a chat over a cup of coffee?”
“Sure. I just made a pot of the new morning blend I’ve wanted to try. Let’s go inside before the painters get here.”
“Good idea.”
“I’m hoping to reopen in a month.” She worried her bottom lip and looked at him.
“Oh, I think you’ll make your goal.”
Once they were inside, Mattie poured a cup of coffee for him and then turned to get another mug. When he reached for the sugar canister he stopped and said, “Odd, but there’s something on my spoon. Care to have a look?”
Mattie put the carafe down and looked at the silver spoon. She saw something glitter and catch the light. Her breath caught and her gaze flew back to his face. “Oh my . . .”
Garret got down on one knee. “Mattie, will you marry me?”
Mattie felt tears spring into her eyes and she could only nod. “Yes,” she managed, and he slipped the diamond solitaire ring onto her finger. She held her hand up and looked at it. “Garret, it’s stunning. I . . . I love it.” She threw her arms around his neck. “I love you!”
“And I love you, Mattie.” He spun her around and then kissed her. “You make me so very happy.”
She looked down at the ring and smiled. “Let’s go tell the whole world!”
Garret laughed. “I thought you’d say that. Let’s go!”
They walked outside just in time to see Rusty heading for the dock. The little runabout was heading out for the day and he watched with a forlorn expression while the boat chugged through the cove.
“At least he doesn’t jump in anymore,” Garret said.
Mattie nodded. “I don’t think he’ll ever give up hope, though.” But just as Rusty started to turn around, Abigail gave a sharp bark, drawing his attention . . .
And then she took a flying leap off the back of the boat and landed with a delicate little splash. Rusty pranced around on the dock and then jumped in the water, meeting Abigail halfway. They swam for shore, shook the water off, and then frolicked around in the grass, looking blissfully happy.
“I guess the lesson is to never give up on love,” Garret said.
“It’s a running theme in this town. From baseball stadiums to recording studios, there’s evidence of it everywhere.”
Garret grinned and then pulled her close. “And now there’s us. Brilliant.”
Don’t miss the next charming novel
in LuAnn McLane’s Cricket Creek series,
WRITTEN IN THE STARS
Available in October 2015 from Signet Eclipse.
1
The Eye of the Storm
“SIRI, I HAVE NOT ARRIVED!” GRACE GORDON TUCKED A lock of her windblown blond hair behind her ear and sighed. “This is getting super annoying.” She held the phone close to her mouth and spoke slowly and clearly. “Walking on Sunshine Bistro at Mayfield Marina, Cricket Creek, Kentucky.”
“The destination is on your left. You have arrived.”
“No! A big red building is on my left! There isn’t a bistro or marina in sight.” With her free hand, Grace gripped the steering wheel of her rented convertible and teetered on tears of frustration. “You suck,” she said to Siri, but then winced. “Sorry,” she said quickly, and then remembered that she was talking to a computer-generated voice.
“No need to be sorry,” Siri said.
“Okay, that was a little creepy,” Grace mumbled, and tossed the phone over onto the passenger seat. Pressing her lips together, she gripped the steering wheel with both hands while wondering what to do next.
When her phone pinged, Grace reached for it, hoping it was her sister answering the million texts she’d sent her over the past hour. “I should have known,” Grace said as she read a message from her mother asking if she’d arrived safely. “No! I’m completely lost,” she said while she typed with her thumbs.
Of course, her mother immediately called. Becca Gordon always stepped in when her children needed her. She could usually calm down Grace’s mild-mannered sister, Sophia, but Grace was more like her half brother, Garret . . . a handful and then some. She missed Garret too!
“Gracie, love, you should have been there by now. Am I right?”
“Mum, what don’t you understand about I’m lost?” Grace drew out the word lost for a few seconds. “As in, I don’t know where in the world I’m at except it’s somewhere in Kentucky.”
Her mother chucked softly. “Oh, Gracie . . .”
“It isn’t funny!” Grace tipped her face up to the sky just as a bird flew by and pooped on her jeans leg. She let out a squeal of anger.
“Oh come on, darling, it’s not that bad.”
“Really? A bird just . . . just had the nerve to crap on me!” She looked around for a napkin from her unhealthy fast-food lunch. Right, the
napkin and wrapper had fluttered out of the convertible like butterfly wings, making her feel all kinds of guilt.
Her mother laughed harder.
“Mum! Seriously? What’s so funny about my misery?”
“Well, for starters, you revert to an English accent when you get angry or upset. I’m sorry. I just find it rather amusing.”
“Seriously? Have you forgotten that you’re English and I’ve lived with you in London for the past two years? That I’ve traveled back and forth to England all of my life?”
“No, darling, I might be in my fifties, but I’m not forgetful yet. And I’ve not forgotten that you can get turned around in your own backyard.”
“It makes going on a holiday an adventure, and I’ve discovered some really cool places, taking the road less traveled,” Grace said a bit defensively but had to grin. “And you were often with me.”
“Fair enough. You get your lack of sense of direction from me. Sorry.”
Grace looked down at her soiled thigh and then cast a wary glance skyward.
“Aren’t you using your GPS?”
“Siri is being rather difficult, I’m afraid. This was only supposed to be a two-hour drive from the Nashville airport to Cricket Creek. I’m well beyond that now.”
“So I gather that you rented a convertible like you said you would?”
“Yes, and it was nearly instant regret. I thought it would be fun rolling through the countryside with the top down. But driving on the interstate was scary as hell! Everything was super loud. Trucks were terrifying, kicking up rocks and so on. And I littered by accident.” She wasn’t about to tell her mother it was a cheeseburger wrapper. Even though her mother’s modeling days were over, Becca Gordon still only consumed healthy food. “Now I get the whole Thelma and Louise ending.”
“Put the top up, silly girl.”